If you looked around the Jamesville park beach on Saturday and didn't know better, you'd have thought you were at a screening for "Air Bud." The stage in the middle of the lawn was surrounded by dog after dog for Woofstock, a first-time local music festival hosted by the Humane Association of CNY.

Woofstock was an idea that came out of the monetary needs of the Humane Association shelter after a pipe burst that left the facility in need of repair. According to Christine McNeely, executive director for the Humane Association of CNY, said the drew about 1,200 people and raised about $7,000.

The Humane Association of CNY is a 40 year old no-kill non-profit animal shelter located in Liverpool, NY that finds homes for abandoned and homeless animals in the CNY area.

McNeely said the idea of Woofstock came from one of the board members on the board of directors, Pamela Levine of Galaxy Events. McNeely said the goal for the fundraiser is to raise the necessary money to help keep up with the costs of the shelter, while more importantly raising awareness of the need for homes for stray animals.

McNeely even got her daughter involved. Arianna Banks, 14, volunteered to help with the event because she truly believes in the cause. Banks paid it forward by bringing one her friends along to help with the adoption station during the event.
"Imagining a dog sitting in a cage, it doesn't seem fair to them," Banks said.

Many people at the event heard about Woofstock through a radio ad.
"I heard about Woofstock when I was listening to 93Q Station in Syracuse." Said Christine Wickham, 29. "I think its cool that you can go with your dog to this and it's such a cool atmosphere." Wickham also mentioned that the social aspect of the event was very nice, and said that she would come back again next year with Lincoln, her West Highland White Terrier.

Keith Brown, 52, heard about Woofstock through TK99 radio, one of the major sponsors for Woofstock. "I appreciate TK99 radio and what they do. I believe it is always important to have good homes and families," said Brown. "and the owners and dogs, they need each other."

Animal lovers filled the event space Saturday and Woofstock was proud of its success to support the mission of helping animals in need.

"I love all animals," said McNeely, "If I say I like one in particular, I will get a bunch of calls," said McNeely, laughing.